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Who were the Vikings?

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Quick answer

The Vikings were seafaring Norse people from Scandinavia who raided, traded, and explored across Europe and beyond from roughly 793 to 1066 CE. Famous as fierce warriors, they were also skilled sailors, traders, and settlers who reached North America. They came from Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark).

Key things to understand

  1. They came from Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark).
  2. Their age ran from about 793 to 1066 CE.
  3. They raided and traded across Europe in fast longships.
  4. They reached North America centuries before Columbus.

People also ask

Where did the Vikings come from?
From Scandinavia — modern Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
What were the Vikings known for?
Seafaring raids, trade, exploration, and skilled shipbuilding — plus reaching North America early.
Did Vikings really wear horned helmets?
No — that's a myth from later art; real Viking helmets had no horns.